Gary Lee Irick

9/11/2017 10:31:39 AM

Gary Lee Irick, 63, of Buckeye, Arizona passed away Friday, September 8 surrounded by the beauty of the desert that he loved so much.

He was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio on September 13, 1953 to the late Robert A. Irick, and Phyllis A. (Mosier) Irick, who survives in West Liberty, Ohio. He is also survived by his wife, Wende, of Buckeye, Arizona, and two sons, Randy of Flagstaff, Arizona, and Nathan of Buckeye. He has one grandson, Skyler. Other survivors include two sisters: Sheryl Caudill, of Cridersville, Ohio, and Betty (Hans) Blumenstein, of Lima, Ohio; and brothers Rev. Ronald (Cindy) Irick of West Liberty, Ohio, and Timothy (Cyndi) Irick of Hilliard, Ohio. There are also numerous nieces and nephews and multiple cousins, aunts and uncles.

Gary grew up in Bellefontaine, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He graduated as valedictorian from Bellefontaine High School in 1972.

Gary earned a Triple Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Nuclear, and Civil Engineering from Arizona State University. Early on, he worked for the Arizona Highway Department before beginning his life’s work, building the Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant. Gary served many years as Scoutmaster and was the founder and longtime fire chief in Arlington, Arizona.

Gary’s other passion in life was the Arizona desert, and the oasis he developed as his home. The last couple years were plagued with health issues, but his joy was sitting on the porch, surrounded by his garden in the desert.

Per Gary’s request, his body will be cremated. There will be no services.

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